Kimberly-Clark Acquires Jackson Safety

Dallas, TX, April 14, 2009 - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) announced today that it has acquired Jackson Products, Inc., a privately held safety products company headquartered in Fenton, Mo. Jackson Products, Inc., more commonly known within the industry as Jackson Safety, is a leading provider of welding safety products, personal protective equipment and work zone safety products.

“The acquisition of Jackson Safety is consistent with our global business plan strategy to accelerate growth of high-growth workplace solutions,” said Jan Spencer, president of Kimberly-Clark Professional. “Jackson Safety brings a wealth of strengths to Kimberly-Clark’s Professional business, including an outstanding product portfolio and a highly experienced sales force. It enables us to focus resources more effectively by increasing sales and marketing manpower to support growth in safety while at the same time dedicating other teams that will help us sustain our leadership position and grow our traditional washroom and wiper businesses.”

Tom Burns, current president and CEO of Jackson Safety said, “Jackson Safety is an excellent fit with Kimberly-Clark Professional, as our products are complementary to Kimberly-Clark’s current safety business. I’m excited about this combination because it improves our prospects for growth in the U.S., Europe and emerging markets around the world.”

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IGA Announces 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee

Brookville, PA., January 12, 2009 – The International Glove Association (IGA) proudly announces its 2009 IGA “Hall of Fame” inductee, Alan H. Bennett.

Mr. Bennett was President, of IGA, formerly known as the National Industrial Glove Distributors Association (NIGDA), for a two year term from 1979 through 1980. He is currently active as a business consultant and serves as a director of Jackson Safety, St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Bennett resides in Bend, Oregon, with his wife, Deborah.

For over the past 36 years, Bennett has been directly involved in the industrial work glove industry as an industrial distributor, and manufacturer. In 1969 he founded Allied Industrial Distributors and developed this business over a 20 year period into a regional business worthy of national attention. Allied and it’s successor company, Safety Supply America (Division Figgie International, Inc.), promoted proper hand protection with a full continuum of gloves and related safety equipment products. Over a period of 7 years Bennett was a division president and later vice president of Sales and Distribution for Figgie, a $1.2 billion enterprise at the time.

Mr. Bennett’s professional accomplishments include President of the Safety Equipment Distributors Association (SEDA), director National Safety Council (NSC) and director Verdugo Banking Company, a California based financial institution.

In 1999 Bennett was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Bacou USA Safety, Inc., the operating arm of Bacou USA (NYSE:BAU). In 2001 the company was merged with Dalloz Safety and Bennett retired in 2002.

Bennett holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and served in the United States Air Force. He is a licensed pilot and enjoys fly fishing.

The actual IGA 2009 “Hall of Fame” presentation will take place during the IGA Banquet, on March 17, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas. Bennett has requested George J. Hayward, Founder, United Sales Associates and IGA “Hall of Fame” member to make his introduction and presentation. Rob Wekell, President, North Star Glove Company and IGA “Hall of Fame” Chairman will make the formal plaque presentation to Mr. Bennett.

Jackson Safety Named Affiliated Distributors (A-D) Supplier of the Year

ST. LOUIS, MO, (October 13, 2008) – Jackson Safety was named Affiliated Distributors’ (A-D) 2007 - 2008 Supplier of the Year during A-D’s annual North American Meeting held recently in Dallas, Texas. According to A-D officials, “the Supplier of the Year Award is the most coveted award that A-D presents each year”.

It was Jackson Safety’s extremely strong growth and a commitment to A-D Affiliates that made the choice easy for A-D officials. According to A-D, “in 2007, Affiliate purchases with Jackson Safety grew by 125% from a combination of new products and conversions. Jackson Safety’s support of A-D programs, like the Growth Incentive Bonus Program and Supplier Spotlight, combined with their market leading products provides financial and customer satisfaction benefits for A-D Affiliates. The senior management team of Mark Johnson and Harry Pardo are steadfast A-D supporters and bring that commitment to the field level.”

A-D is a network of manufacturers and distributors in the Electrical, Industrial Supply, Plumbing and Pipe, Valve and Fitting markets. The largest network of its kind in North America, A-D’s membership includes more than 350 independent distribution companies.

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Jackson Safety Acquires Eastern Molding International (EMI)

Saint Louis, MO, (Wednesday, October 22, 2008) – Jackson Safety announced today that it has acquired Eastern Molding International (EMI), division of Highway Safety Devices International (HSDI), a leading manufacturer of work zone safety equipment. The industry recognizes HDSI/EMI for their exceptional quality, and on-time delivery.

Located in Batavia, New York, Jackson Safety is acquiring the assets to manufacturer channelizer cones, high and low density drums. Their blow molding capabilities will expand Jackson Safety’s depth as a manufacturer of resin based work zone safety equipment.

“This acquisition builds upon our market leading position within the work zone safety category”, stated Tom Burns, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jackson Safety. “In addition, their cultural bias to superior customer service, lean manufacturing principles and product development supports our commitment to the industry. We are excited to add the Staff of HSDI/EMI Batavia, NY team to the Jackson family as we celebrate our 75th anniversary.”

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Jackson Safety Introduces New D-Cell L.E.D. Barricade Light – The Sundowner

ST. LOUIS, MO (February 21, 2008) – Jackson Safety is excited to remind you that when the sun goes down, we go to work at providing guaranteed visibility on the roadways! Our new and improved L.E.D. barricade light, the Sundowner operates on 4, easy to install, D-Cell batteries that make it significantly more user-friendly and lightweight than the original, heavier 6V version. An internal ambient photocell operates with a timed delay that reacts to natural light in the environment. A 90 degree angle lens offers increased visibility to oncoming traffic and 3 way switching options – steady burn, flashing, off – make it easier than ever to use for any application! The Sundowner meets all MUTCD and ITE requirements and is MADE IN THE U.S.A.

About Jackson Safety
Jackson Safety, headquartered in Fenton Missouri, is a global market leader in the manufacturing of welding, industrial and traffic safety products.

Jackson markets its products worldwide, with emphasis on North America, Canada, and Europe, under established, well-known brand names such as Jackson, Allsafe, Services & Materials, Smith & Wesson, Winchester, Hunstman and Silencio.

Jackson Safety Welcomes Wilson Industries

ST. LOUIS, MO, (Friday, October 12, 2007) – Privately held Jackson Safety announced today that it has acquired the assets of Wilson Industries, a leading manufacturer of welding curtains and blankets. Based in Pomona, CA, Wilson originated the concept of transparent welding curtains and other products which protect welders from optical radiation, while creating safe visibility within the welding workspace.

“Dean Wilson, the CEO of Wilson, has done an extraordinary job in becoming the market leader in welding curtains, aided by a team of outstanding, experienced people driven by a culture that emphasizes customer service, new product development and a lean operational business model. ” stated Tom Burns, Jackson Safety’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “The Wilson name has been closely identified for 50 years with quality and customer satisfaction, and we are excited to welcome Wilson into the Jackson Safety family, especially as we prepare to celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2008.”

Dean Wilson, CEO of Wilson Industries stated, “Both Jackson Safety and Wilson Industries are passionate about providing our customers value-added safety solutions and excellent service. I am thrilled to have the Wilson family brand be part of Jackson Safety, as both cultures share the belief that success is driven by investing in our people.”

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